Extra police on streets to stop any Easter trouble

EXTRA bobbies will hit the city centre’s streets this weekend to prevent booze-fuelled bad behaviour.

Police officers will be stepping up patrols in Sunderland’s pubs and clubs over the Easter weekend and have vowed to take action if trouble erupts.

They will also give revellers advice on how to stay safe in the city and to remind them to stay in control when drinking.

Inspector Mick Hall, of Sunderland Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We’re looking forward to people coming to Sunderland city centre to enjoy the long holiday weekend and we want it to be a safe and enjoyable time.

“Alcohol can affect people’s judgement and make them more vulnerable so we’d ask them to know their limits when drinking.”

As part of Northumbria Police’s Think: Keys, money, phone, plans to get home campaign, party-goers are also being urged to take a few simple steps to help their night out run smoothly.

Officers will be handing out credit cards for people to store an emergency number on and encouraging drinkers to book a taxi home and watch what they drink.

Insp Hall added: “People should also look after their personal belongings and not leave items, such as handbags or mobile phones, lying around in pubs and clubs as this poses an opportunity for thieves.

“Arrange a safe meeting place in case you get separated from friends and plan how your getting home. Pre-book a taxi or make sure you know where your licensed taxi rank is.

“By following these safety tips, it will ensure people remember their night out for all the right reasons.”

For more advice on staying safe during a night out, visit the Northumbria Police website at www.northumbria.police.uk.

Twitter: @sunechochief

AS part of the Think: Keys, money, phone, plans to get home campaign, revellers are encouraged to:

- Look out for friends and arrange a safe meeting place in case you get separated.

- Store an ICE (In Case of Emergency) number in your phone.

- Stash some cash in case you lose your purse or wallet.

- Know your limits and always stay in control.

- Plan how you’re getting home. Pre-book a taxi or make sure you know where a licensed taxi rank is.